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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Secretary of State Police will be conducting parking stings at shopping malls statewide throughout the holiday season and ticketing individuals who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Secretary of State Police will enforce the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at shopping centers on Black Friday in Chicago, Fairview Heights, Peoria, Rockford, Schaumburg and Springfield on Black Friday, Nov. 25 as it marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Secretary of State Police will also be enforcing the program in other areas of the state throughout the holiday season. “Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” said White. “Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine, money whic

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host the annual Christmas Remembrance Ceremony for Illinois soldiers listed as prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA) during the Vietnam War on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m., and it’s open to the public. Family and friends of soldiers will have the opportunity to hang handmade, heart-shaped ornaments with the names of loved ones on a tree near the memorial. The Black Tiger Honor Guard will serve as the color guard. The names of the POW/MIA soldiers will be read aloud, and the ceremony will also include music courtesy of the Land of Lincoln Chorus. “The Illinois Vietnam Vigil Committee appreciates IDNR sponsoring the annual POW/MIA Christmas Remembrance Ceremony each year. There are still 63 men unaccounted for,” said committee spokesman Jim Mathes. “We always need to remember

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department is relaunching its Citizens Police Academy to provide participants with a hands-on opportunity to experience and learn about law enforcement. The academy will be offered over 10 weekly sessions to be held from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning January 17, 2023. “One of the main benefits and goals of the Citizens Police Academy is for the cadets to be able to see and experience what Edwardsville police officers do on a daily basis,” said Edwardsville Police Sgt. Matt Evers, who leads the academy. “It is often eye-opening for them once they get a behind-the-scenes look at being a police officer.” Academy sessions will include tours, demonstrations, practical exercises and a ride-along with officers. Some portions may require physical activity. The Police Department will work to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with special needs, but cannot guarantee participation in all activities. Among the topic

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is increasing public safety by providing updates and clarity to two firearm ownership tools aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of those who pose a significant threat to themselves or to others. Today, ISP adopted updates approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to the administrative rule governing Clear and Present Danger reporting under the Firearm Owners Identification Card ( FOID ) Act. The updated rule, which allows for a broader use of Clear and Present Danger reports, was proposed in the wake of the July 4, 2022 shooting in Highland Park. Clear and Present Danger reporting is a mechanism upon which ISP may revoke or deny a FOID for an individual who poses a serious threat. “When determining whether to issue or revoke a FOID card, it is imperative ISP has as much information and evidence as possible,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Updates to this administrative rule

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ST. LOUIS - On December 6, the City of St. Louis will host a public town hall with three finalists for the city’s next police chief. The town hall will take place at 6:00 p.m. at Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave. The City expects to announce a decision on a final hire by the end of the year. Residents can select which topics they would like to see highlighted at the event through the City’s website. “Putting the public back in public safety means involving community stakeholders in major decisions that will impact our city,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This town hall will help give St. Louisans an opportunity to make their voice heard in our search for the city’s next police chief.” The City of St. Louis Department of Personnel entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Boulware Group, a national search firm, to drive the nationwide search for a permanent police chief for the City of St. Louis. The group has worked to help find police

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O'FALLON — When shopping for holiday gifts this Black Friday, remember to prioritize safety. While it may be exciting and enticing to purchase a new toy for loved ones, it is important to remember to check the safety and age-range of the toy. “When purchasing toys for children, it is important to recognize the recommended age range of a specific toy,” said Dr. Saba Bajwa, HSHS Medical Group pediatrician. “The age range is there for a reason: some toys may be too complicated for younger children or contain small parts that could cause choking accidents. This is especially important for younger children because they are more likely to put objects in their mouths,” she said. “For older children, it is helpful if they understand how to play with a toy safely so they do not get hurt or injure others.” HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and HSHS Medical Group encourage parents and loved ones to follow these tips from healthychildren.org on ho

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EDWARDSVILLE – This holiday season, The Gori Law Firm launched its second Giving Thanks Promotion to recognize the outstanding efforts and dedication of first responders and teachers throughout the country. Throughout November and December, the nationwide, women-led asbestos litigation firm invites participants to nominate deserving police officers, firefighters, EMTs, teachers, education staff, administrators, and more, for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. Winners will be selected at random, and a total of 50 gift cards will be awarded. Nominations are currently open and will close on Monday, December 12. “With the holidays on the horizon, we want to use this opportunity to give back to individuals who help make our communities better,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. “This year, we want to let all our first responders and teachers know how much we appreciate the work they do every day.” In 2020, The Gori Law Firm awarded

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ST. LOUIS — As many gather for Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to shake up their holiday traditions and plan a time to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks. Blood and platelet donations tend to drop more than 20% during holiday weeks, including the days around Thanksgiving. Seasonal illness and the threat of winter weather can add more concern during a time of year that is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Give thanks and give back – now is the time to make and keep donation appointments. Book a time to give blood or platelets at RedCrossBlood.org. As a thank-you, all who come to donate Nov. 23-27 will get an exclusive Red Cross beanie, while supplies last. Thanks to our partners at Amazon, all donors who come to give blood Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Gift card by email.* Blood Drive Spotlight: 13th annual JOY FM and Boost Radio Perfect Gift Blood Drive St. Louis, you can

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois are reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober this Thanksgiving holiday. Unfortunately, some motorists and their passengers will travel without ever buckling their seat belts, which drastically increases the chance of injury or death if they’re involved in a crash. “Whether you’re traveling a few blocks or several hundred miles, remember to always wear your seat belt and plan for a sober ride home,” said Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Too frequently, law enforcement sees the tragic results of driving impaired and not wearing a seat belt, both of which are the leading causes of deaths on our roads and easily preventable.” Proper seat belt use is the single most effective way to save your life in a crash, which is why ISP and local law enforcement agencies

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ALTON - Millenium Temple and Pastor Michael Porter definitely have a heart for the community. Today on Thanksgiving Day, there are many in the community who are thankful for the efforts they extend year-round to the community, not just on this special holiday or at Christmas time. This past weekend, the church passed out turkey dinner and sides to anyone who wanted to attend from the community. Sarah Porter, Michael’s daughter, said the special Thanksgiving event was well attended and those who were there seemed to love the touch on the turkey and the fixings. Porter has been pastor at Millennium Temple for 10 years and there are many impoverished in the region who now give thanks he is there for the services the church provides. Sarah Porter said she is extremely proud of her church and her mother, Alberta, and father. Alberta has always shared her husband’s beliefs of keeping the church as a place not only for the regular congregation but the less fortunate who sometimes

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River will host its Visit With Santa and His Furry Friends Day from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2002, in Downtown Wood River. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the event was started when they learned parents found it difficult to locate an area spot to take their child to see Santa. Santa will be present at the event for children and there will also be a petting zoo for families to visit with their young ones. The Christmas event will be centered at 55 E. Ferguson Ave. in Wood River in the building and lot next to the Rolling Pin. Residents are asked to visit shops and restaurants during the post-Thanksgiving afternoon. “We had a great time and the kids had a great time last year!” Chief Wells said. “This is also another way for members of the Police Department to connect with the community. We thank the Wood River Economic Development Committee for helping us organize and Tim O’Donnell for the use of his building.”

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BETHALTO - Today, on Thanksgiving Day, the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills extends thanks to Ace Hardware of Bethalto for a significant $2,500 donation from rounding up at the cash register for part of November. The donation will help the Community Hope Center deliver Thanksgiving food items and also assist with its annual Christmas distribution. Ace Hardware of Bethalto has a generous round-up policy for charities and recently, Ray Johnson, Ace Hardware's general manager, presented the donation check to Steve Thompson, finance manager of the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. Molly Mathis, office manager at the Bethalto Ace Hardware, said she is proud of the store for this charitable effort. Right now, the store is rounding up for the Bethalto Police “Christmas For All Program.” “During the regular part of the year, we round up for Children’s Network,” Mathis said. “We always try to help the Community Hope Center during the holidays

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JERSEY COUNTY - A man operating a 2022 Maroon Polaris Ranger was struck by a 2006 Silver Ford Escape at 2:43 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2023, on Oak Rest Road at Illinois Route 16 and died from injuries in the crash. The man who died was Wayne D. Moore, 60, from Piasa. His brother, Herbert D. Moore, 62, from Jerseyville, was transported to a local hospital with injuries. The ISP preliminary report says the following: "The investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on Oak Rest Road just south of Illinois Route 16. Unit 2 was traveling northbound at the same location passing Unit 1 on the left. Unit 1 attempted to make a left-hand turn into a field access entrance and crossed into Unit 2’s path. Unit 2 struck the rear of Unit 1 and caused Unit 1 to roll over into the field west of Oak Rest Road. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene."

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In this season of Thanksgiving and in recognition of the continued hard work of its employees, effective November 27 OSF HealthCare will increase its minimum wage from $15 to $16 per hour ($18.08/hour in the Chicago Metro region). This is the fourth time in seven years OSF HealthCare has raised its minimum wage. In addition to the minimum wage increase, OSF is giving pay increases to all Mission Partners (employees) within eligible job classifications. This will enable OSF to attract and retain Mission Partners while at the same time address staffing needs in positions critical to the health care Ministry. "OSF knows our Mission Partners have been through a lot over the past two years throughout the pandemic coupled with the increasing pressure of inflation," said Shelley Nguyen, chief human resources officer for OSF HealthCare. "Our Sisters recognize the personal worth and dignity of every person served and the need to help even in a small way." The positive economic impact on the

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JERSEYVILLE - The average cost of Thanksgiving dinner is up 20% from last year, according to a recent survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation . The survey found this year’s average cost for a 10-person feast is $64.05, compared to 2021’s average of $53.31. Even as prices continue to skyrocket nationwide, local stores like Sinclair’s Foods in Jerseyville are trying to keep from passing the cost on to their customers. This price difference of $10.74 represents the largest year-to-year price jump in the survey’s history dating back to 1986 . While 2022 saw the sharpest increase overall, prices have been climbing much more rapidly since 2020. David Wittman, manager of Sinclair's Foods in Jerseyville, said he’s noticed the price of Thanksgiving foods increasing in recent years, including fuel costs related to delivery. However, he said the store has been doing everything it can to keep from passing those price increases on to customers.

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ALTON - As many will be traveling this Thanksgiving Day weekend, thankfully they will be met with some of the lowest gas prices in a long period of time. The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.22 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. At this time on Wednesday, Illinois stands at $3.94 a gallon for regular unleaded on average, according to AAA. On Wednesday, the Quik Trip on Godfrey Road in Godfrey dropped below $3 a gallon to $2.99. The Phillips 66 off U.S. 67 in West Alton also stood at 2.99 per gallon for regular unleaded today. Locally, a quick glance at gas prices on Gas Buddy shows the QuikTrip on Troy Road in Edwardsville was one of the lowest at $3.39 per gallon for regular unleaded gas and the QuikTrip in Bethalto on Bethalto Drive also stood at $3.39.The Casey's on Fosterburg Road in Alton was also $3.39 per gallon. Gas was $3.59 per gallon for regular unleaded at the following: BP-College Avenue, Alton, the BP on

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EAST ALTON - The second annual State Farm “Skate With Santa” event is being held at the East Alton Ice Arena from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. The event will include free admission, free skate rental and more, and will also benefit the Alton chapter of Sleep In Heavenly Peace. State Farm Agent Eric Schrumpf, the sponsor of this event, described it as fun for the whole family and said a few special guests will be seen on the ice. “It’s a family-friendly, free ice skating public session - it’s of course open to the public, and there’s free ice skate rental,” Schrumpf said. “We also have Santa Claus and some of his friends, we have elves skating out there as well.” There will also be a “Chuck-A-Puck” competition held at 6 p.m. During intermission, participants will chuck hockey pucks at targets on the ice, and the ones who chuck their pucks closest to the targets will win prizes. While the prizes for this year are

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ST. LOUIS - It was announced today that recipients of a $790 million settlement with Rams owner Stan Kroenke as a result of the Rams leaving St. Louis have come to an agreement on how to split the money. The National Football League announced the large settlement in November 2021 for a lawsuit involving the Rams and St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority. Kroenke himself is forced to pay $571 million for taking the franchise to St. Louis. All 32 NFL teams also must pay $7.5 million to make up the $219 million difference. Information released from St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones' office says the city will receive $250 million and St. Louis County $169 million and the Regional Sports Authority gets $70 million. The City of St. Louis is able to obtain $30 million more contingent on the City Board of Aldermen using it for convention center expansion. After attorney fees, there was $519 million left from the initial $790 million to

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ALTON - The Alton Committee of the Whole held a very brief meeting on Monday night, during which they approved a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System agreement, a resolution related to the 2022 Tax Levy, and awarded a bid for 1819 Woodland Avenue. Alderwoman Elizabeth Allen was the sole member absent from the meeting. A resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement for participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (known as the “MABAS Master Agreement 2022”) also passed unanimously. This agreement essentially allows local units of government to collaborate and provide mutual aid in cases of emergencies and natural disasters. The resolution also provides for “communications procedures, training, and other necessary functions” to help protect life and property during emergencies. The full text of the MABAS Master Agreement can be read at mabas-il.org . A resolution regarding the 2022 Tax Levy was also approved. According to Alderman Nate Keener,

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BENTON – On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, Ashley McKinney, 39, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for Identity Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, and Money Laundering. According to court documents, for almost a year, Ashley McKinney defrauded elderly women in southern Illinois with the help of her co-conspirator, Erica Rose. They were true partners in crime. Rose abused her employment as an in-home caretaker and stole the identities of her elderly clients. Then she passed the stolen information along to McKinney to attempt to drain their bank accounts through counterfeit checks and fraudulent purchases. As an example, McKinney tried to buy a used Tesla online after stealing the identity and savings of an 86-year-old woman from Belleville, Illinois. When the deal fell through because the Tesla had mechanical problems, McKinney bought herself a Mercedes Benz instead. After she took possession of the vehicle, the victim’s bank

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